Bush Radio 89.5 fm is the Mother of Community Radio in Africa. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Bush Radio exists with the sole purpose to uplift, develop and educate the communities it serves. To find out more about Bush Radio go to www.bushradio.co.za, where you can also listen on-line.
Please share your comments on our news: feedback@bushradio.co.za

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Kollapen contract ends

By Nomava Nobumba30 September 2009

Commissioner Pregs Govender has been appointed as Chairperson of the SA Human Rights Commission, until the process of appointing additional new Commissioners is complete.

Commissioner Govender, who was recently appointed as a Commissioner in December 2008 will occupy this position until such time as the new Commissioners are able to meet and elect a Chairperson for the Commission.

Today the terms of office of Commissioners Jody Kollapen,Zonke Majodina, Leon Wessels, Tom Manthata, and Karthy Govender came to an end and new Commissioners are expected to take office soon.

As part of this process, the National Assembly last week unanimously recommended that Ms Lindiwe Mokate, Adv Bokantla Malatji , Adv Lawrence Mushwana , Adv Loyiso Mpumlwana, Ms Janet Love and Dr Danny Titus will serve as new Commissioners.

Cape Town Stadium set for completion in three months

By Kim Saulse30 September 2009

With less than nine months to 2010 World Cup kick-off, construction of the new Cape Town stadium is nearing completion, as contractors are busy with the final touches to what could be one of the most impressive stadia in the world.

“Work is also underway on the internal architectural finishes such as painting, ceilings, doors and locks,” said City spokesperson Nick Whiteley.

Most of the inside equipment has been installed on five of the six levels.

“We expect the stadium to be completed by December 14 this year,” said Whiteley.

The raised Green Point traffic circle is almost complete and is already taking traffic on the incoming lane to the city centre.

Cape Town will host eight World Cup matches, most of them at night, including one semi-final.

Health to focus on nursing colleges

The Department of Health is to focus more energy on revitalising nursing colleges and creating a vibrant nursing education and training system.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said strengthening colleges was the next focus for his department and discussions with the Department of Higher Education and Training were at an advanced stage.

The two departments have begun a project to assess what exists in the system, where its strengths lie and what the weaknesses are in terms of teaching and learning resources.

Dr Motsoaledi explained that through this process, the departments would guide and build a national nursing college system which responds to the needs of their system, whether in producing the numbers they want and assisting learners especially from poor backgrounds to complete their studies at colleges.

According to reports, Motsoaledi said the department had also agreed with the Department of Higher Education and Training on the need for a diversified nursing education and training system, cutting across higher education and further education programmatic levels in the National Qualifications Framework.

However, the minister warned that this had to be done in partnership with other sections of the schooling system, post-compulsory schooling system and the higher education system.

CTV goes off air

Cash flow problems have prevented the station from paying its broadcast costs, but the station’s management is confident that the situation will be resolved soon.

“ We were unable to make the payment to Sentech, which is the parastatal that distributes our signal. Until we’ve paid them the amount outstanding, which we hope will be in the next few weeks, we’ll be off air,” says Mike Aldridge, CTV broadcast manager.

The Department of Communications does not subsidise community television, forcing CTV to meet the entire cost of broadcast.

“Community TV should also get a subsidy like community radio, and we’ve been working hard for some time now to lobby the department to implement that policy,” added Aldridge.

City gears up for 2010 draw

By Khanyisa Tabata30 September 2009

The City of Cape Town is gearing up for the 2010 draw with city officials working flat out to ensure they are ready to welcome the world.

Cape Town's first opportunity to showcase its readiness for global sport's biggest showpiece will come when it hosts the Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on December 4.

Illustrating the city's commitment to staging a successful Draw for the world's football fraternity was the fact that the city's executive deputy mayor, Ian Nielson, was personally on hand and an eager participant in the deliberations.

The Final Draw for Africa's first football World Cup will be a mega showcase for the city as it welcomes the world's media, broadcasters and FIFA football family, as well as the coaches of all the qualified teams such as Fabio Capello, Dunga and Bert van Marwijk.

With football powerhouses such as England, Brazil, Holland, Japan, the two Koreas and Ghana among the countries that have already qualified for the World Cup, excitement is mounting for the draw – which will determine the tournament's groupings and match locations.

“Ghost Squad” arrests wanted murder suspect during traffic blitz

Vigilant patrolling by the City’s “Ghost Squad” paid off at the weekend, when routine operations led to the arrest of a wanted murder suspect.

On Sunday night, during a special operation to curb illegal street racing, the team was charging two motorists at the intersection of 35th Street and Modderdam Road, Belhar, when eight men intervened.

The group hurled stones at the officers which prompted them to arrest two of the men.

Charges were laid against the four men at Bishop Lavis police station.

Further police investigations revealed that one of the suspects was wanted for murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, illegal possession of a firearm and several other offences registered at the Delft SAPS.

“A Traffic Officer generally deals with day to day traffic offences, some more serious than others but, from time to time, we do come across hardened criminals,” says Chief Inspector Merle Lourens, media spokesperson for Cape Town Traffic Services.

Labour brokering hearings set for provinces

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Labour will hold public hearings on labour brokering in four provinces next week.

The hearings will start from Monday October 5 to Thursday October 8 this year.

The towns to be visited are Welkom in Free State on Monday, Klerksdorp in the North West on Tuesday, Germiston in Gauteng on Wednesday, and Pietermaritzburg on Thursday.

Last month, the Committee held a two-day public hearing in Parliament where stakeholders, including trade unions, civil society and labour brokers, were given an opportunity to present their views on labour brokering.

Labour committee chairperson Lumka Yengeni says the process is unavoidable as parliament is obliged to involve the public in all national matters.

“This is in line with Parliament’s role of facilitating debate on key national issues, and its continuous effort to involve everybody in that process, the Committee resolved that the hearings should be extended to provinces,” she said.

The hearings will enable the Committee to get first hand information from the communities about labour brokering.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Public entity bosses scoop big in bail outs

South African Airways 2008/09 annual report tabled out today, has revealed that former CEO Khaya Ngqula was paid over R13 million on settlement.

This is despite him being under investigation for mismanagement, conflict of interest and procurement irregularities.

The figure includes R9.3 million paid out for the termination of his contract.

Ngqula was paid the amount despite SAA posting an operating loss of R72-million for 2007/08, during which time the airline was under his management.

His payout follows that of former SABC CEO Dali Mpofu who received a R12 million pay out after his exit from the state entity; that has also been rocked by financial crisis.

In a statement the Democratic Alliance says the payment is a slap in the face of the South African taxpayer.

“This happens and the ANC government shows no signs of adopting the requisite attitude necessary to address the problem. We as DA will be asking parliamentary questions on the matter,” the statement said.

The statement further says the consequence of this is that the public has to pay twice for poor management.

“First, it is required to fit the bill for a bale-out, when the relevant institution loses money; then, instead of their being consequences for that poor management, it is forced to once again payout the relevant CEO,” the statement concluded.

Earlier the current CEO of Eskom, Jacob Maroga, was awarded a R5 million salary increment despite Eskom posting R9-million in loss.

In another similar development state arms company Armscor, revealed that CEO Sipho Thomo received a total increase in remuneration from R1.7 million to R3.27 million an 89% increase.

Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan is yet to respond to these issues from parliamentary questions submitted by members of the opposition, some dated from as early as July this year.

Collision leaves 11 hospitalised

By Kim Saulse29 September 2009

A collision between a taxi and a car at the intersection of Durban Road and Eversdal Road in Durbanville left 11 people hospitalised.

“One occupant of the car sustained serious injuries and another sustained moderate injuries, the Fire Department used hydraulic rescue equipment to help extricate the patients from the vehicle, both patients from the car were taken to Durbanville Medi-Clinic,” said ER24 spokesperson Tristan Wadeley.

The passengers of the taxi sustained minor to moderate injuries and were taken to Kraaifontein Day Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital for further treatment.

It is alleged that the taxi and car collided, with the taxi then climbing the pavement and hitting a signage pole head on.

All municipalities must have a Blue Drop certificate ahead of 2010.

The Blue Drop Certification Programme aims to see qualifying municipalities receive what is known as the "Blue Drop Status."

This status will indicate that the town's drinking water is of good quality and consumers will be secure in the knowledge that wastewater is managed and discharged in a sustainable, eco-friendly way.

The status will reflect the water regulator Water Services Authority's level of confidence in the town's drinking water quality management levels per service system in towns and cities.

Minister of Water Affairs, Buyelwa Sonjica said the only municipality in the North West that had the status was the Tlokwe Municipality.

Sonjica was speaking yesterday at the provincial Water Indaba which is expected to address water challenges and come up with solutions on ensuring water sustainable resource management as well as develop a tangible water action plan.

South Africa reaps rewards ahead of 2010 at Soccerex

2010 FIFA World Cup only kicks-off in June, South Africa is already reaping the rewards of hosting the world's biggest single-code sporting event, through the annual Soccerex convention.

The organisers of the convention, taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 28 November to 2 December, have released the schedule for this year's event.

Focusing on the business of football, Soccerex is a global event that sees the world's most experienced football business professionals come to share their knowledge about the business end of the beautiful game, with networking, not goal scoring, being the name of the game.

Involving a conference, exhibition, gala dinner and football festival, Soccerex has regularly attracted the sport's biggest names and clubs.

For the Chief Executive Officer of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee, Danny Jordaan, Soccerex will have massive legacy benefits for South African football.

Soccerex Chief Executive Officer Duncan Reeve said the Soccerex Expo in Sandton would serve as a blueprint for Brazil, the 2014 FIFA World Cup host.

25 year old arrested for murder

A 25 year old man has been arrested for murder of a female in Thabatha Street in Thembalethu, George.

The body of a female was found at the back of the informal settlement, with multiple stab wounds to her back.

“We also found an Identity book of the alleged suspect on the crime scene”.

“It is alleged that the deceased and her female friend was involved in an argument with the suspect when he grabbed a knife and stabbed both of them,” said police spokesperson Inspector November Filander.

Police later arrested the suspect after members of the community handed him over to police.

The 25 year old suspect will appear in the George magistrates’ court on murder charges. Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact the investigating officer, Inspector Frank Brown from the Thembalethu detective branch at 082 696 5958 or at (044) 802 8931, during office

Eskom’s proposed power plant potential for irreversible disaster

By Ofentse Mokae28 September 2009

Correspondence sent between senior Eskom executives, including confidential e-mails and memos, reveals that Eskom’s proposed Medupi power plant could rash an irreversible environmental disaster, the Democratic Alliance said in a statement.

The DA shadow deputy minister on Energy Cobus Schmidt says this is despite Eskom’s senior management appearing to be sitting idly by unwilling to take action.

Eskom reveals that the projected future water needs for the area, following completion of Medupi, could be up to 500% of the current usage level.

Strike by clothing industry set to continue today

By Ofentse Mokae27 September 2009

The national wage strike by more than fifty-thousand clothing workers is set to continue today. It will be the 9th working day of the strike.

Last Sunday, the union and the employers received an offer from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation & Arbitration (CCMA) to intervene in the dispute, in terms of Section 150 of the Labour Relations Act.

In a statement Secretary General Andre Kriel says the parties accepted this offer and consequently met in Johannesburg at the CCMA Head Office last Tuesday, in formal Conciliation for which the CCMA had appointed two senior Commissioners.

“At this meeting, after having heard the parties respective positions, the CCMA tabled a process framework proposal for further engagements at a follow up meeting proposed for Friday this week,” Kriel said.

Kriel says the parties eventually met in CCMA facilitated conciliation in Cape Town over the weekend, but regrettably no settlement could be found.

“The employers had regrettably not accepted the CCMA process framework proposal and this proved to be a major stumbling block towards a settlement in the discussions over the last few days,” Kriel added.

First Lady proud owner of farms, while country starves

First Lady Grace Mugabe, the wife of Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, owns dairy farms that sell up to a million litres of milk a year to food giant Nestle', while millions in her country starve.

London’s Sunday Telegraph reports Grace Mugabe took over six of the country’s most valuable white-owned farms around 2002.

Mugabe, his wife and other members of his administration are the subject of European Union and United States sanctions as a result of their controversial 29-year rule over once-prosperous Zimbabwe.

Nestle, the multinational food company which is the largest customer of Grace Mugabe's dairy farm, is not obliged to comply with those sanctions as its headquarters are in Switzerland, the Telegraph said.

ANC Youth League leader owes thousands in speeding fines

The president of the ANC Youth League Julius Malema could soon find himself in hot water over speeding fines that he has not paid.

Media reports Malema has notched up thousands of rands in unpaid speeding fines in the Johannesburg metro alone.

With 14 traffic offences worth more than five thousand rands to his name, he is ahead of the Youth League spokesperson Floyd Shivambu who has managed to rack up a dozen unpaid fines amounting to two-thousand-625 rands.

Malema's top recorded speed was 169 kilometres per hour in a 120 kilometre per hour zone on 21 September last year.

Johannesburg Metro Police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar says that any person will be accountable for any traffic fine, no matter who they are.

Earlier a well-known paper reported that Malema is living a questionable lavish lifestyle way beyond his means.

He lives in a big, smart house in upmarket Sandton and is always seen in expensive cars, from BMWs to Lexus's to Mercedes Benz's, the report said.Very comfortable in designer labels such as Fabiani, Malema insists that his flashy lifestyle shouldn't be an issue.

"It's not me, it is this office. When I come here they give me a cellphone, a laptop, and they're trying to make my work easier. I don't know which car is which one. When they come to me and say, 'chief, we are using this car today', I get in and we go," Malema said.

He says there is nothing wrong, with a flashy lifestyle if you can afford it.

The ANC youth wing confirmed that he only gets an ANC salary of about R20 000, a month.

DA calls for an independent inquiry into tender claims

By Ofentse Mokae27 September 2009

The Democratic Alliance believes Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies must authorise an independent inquiry into the alarming situation at the Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office (Cipro).

The DA says he must also consider steps to suspend the Valor IT tender, pending the results of such an investigation.

In a media statement DA shadow deputy minister of Trade and Industry ANDRICUS Van Der Westhuizen says the details emerging before the South Gauteng High Court are extremely concerning.

These include tender rigging involving senior officials at Cipro.

“Of particular concern is the alleged role of some of Cipro’s senior staff, like the Chief Information, in the allocation of the questionable tender for R152,7 million to a small and little known closed corporation ValorIT”, said van der Westhuizen.

Van der Westhuizen says the DA urge Minister Davies to state publicly what action is being taken to resolve these serious matters.

Attempts to reach the trade and industry ministry proved unsuccessful.

Cosatu condemns “racist” killing of farm worker

Congress of South African Trade Unions says it is very disturbed by the news that a farm worker has been shot dead by a white farmer while crossing the farmer’s land in the Lichtenburg area.

In media statement, North West provincial secretary Solly Phetoe says the federation has called on the Department of Justice to be decisive in its response to the defence of farm workers and dwellers who are killed by farmers.

Phetoe says Cosatu sees the latest incident as an act of racism.

“As COSATU we are not apologetic to say to the public this shooting is racism,” Phetoe said.

He says the they call on the National Human Rights Commission, Agri NW and Agri forum to tell them whether this is not racism.

City sangoma in training suspended

By Ofentse Mokae27 September 2009

An upmarket city hotel has suspended an employee after she refused to remove the white beads that indicate she is a sangoma in training.

Media reports Zolelwa Mpofu, a linen keeper in the housekeeping department of the Radisson Blue hotel near the V&A Waterfront, said she had gone on leave from the company on August 18 after feeling ill and deciding not to ignore the calling of her ancestors.

When she went back to work nearly a month later, wearing the traditional "instimbi" or white beads, she was asked to remove them.

The beads indicate she is in training and has obeyed the ancestors' call.

Labour Department said Mpofu was advised to report the case to the CCMA offices so that the alleged unfair dismissal can be investigated

SA Minister arrives in Switzerland for UN refugee session

Home Affairs minister Dr Nkosaza Dlamini-Zuma has arrived in Geneva in Switzerland today, ahead of the United Nations Sixtieth session of the executive committee of the UN High Commission on Refugees.

The session is scheduled for Monday September 28 till Wednesday 30th.

Dlamini-Zuma is expected to address the session on behalf of South Africa on Immigration and Migration issues.

Her spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa says, she is also expected to hold bilateral discussion there.

“While in Geneva Minister Dlamini-Zuma is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Swedish State Secretary, as well as Director for International Organisation for Migration,” Mamoepa said.

Minister Dlamini-Zuma was in New York where she joined the South African government delegation to the opening session of the UN General Assembly.

South Africa to participate in Africa-South America Summit

South Africa is to participate in the 2nd Africa-South America Summit which aims to further enhance cooperation between the two regions.

The summit will be held at the weekend on the island of Margarita, Venezuela.

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson, Nomfanelo Kota, South Africa will participate in the summit within the context of consolidating the African agenda through deepening South–South cooperation.

The first summit between the two regions was held in the city of Abuja, Nigeria, in 2006.

During the summit, leaders will among others things, adopt strategies and measures that will translate the vision of the Africa-South America Cooperative Forum into concrete economic, political and social benefits.

According to Kota, the meeting also aims to intensify cooperation and consultation at all levels to exploit the immense opportunities which bound the two continents.

The leaders will also develop appropriate common positions in multilateral negotiations such as the reform of the Global Multilateral System of Governance and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, has already departed from New York for Margarita to lead a South African delegation to the ministerial segment of the summit.

The minister was in New York accompanying President Jacob Zuma, who led a

President Zuma, who is currently in Pittsburgh, Pennysylvania leading a South African contingent to the G20 Summit, will also proceed to Venezuela at the weekend.About 30 Heads of State of the two regions as well as delegates from 60 countries have confirmed their attendance.

FIFA cracks down on illegal 2010 tickets

FIFA is working closely with international authorities to crack down on the sale of illegal 2010 FIFA World Cup tickets.

As the excitement surrounding the world cup gains momentum, tickets have been in high demand worldwide which have led to illegal ticket sales.

While genuine tickets are sold online exclusively via the official website FIFA.com, dishonest individuals are taking advantage of the great appeal of this event by trying to use the internet to sell tickets they do not possess, FIFA said in a statement.

FIFA would like to recall that one of the measures taken to prevent forgery will be to print the official match tickets only a few weeks before the event in South Africa in 2010.

Many unauthorised operators are exploiting the popularity of the FIFA World Cup to lure unsuspecting fans across the world into purchasing illegitimate or unauthorised tickets and/or ticket-inclusive travel packages.

Comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding match tickets as well as the list of the appointed tour operators and match Hospitality sales agents can be found on FIFA.com.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Initial findings point to engine failure in plane crash

By Khanyisa Tabata25 September 2009

Preliminary findings are indicating that it could have been engine failure that was responsible for Thursday’s SA Airlink plane crash in Merebank, south of Durban.

According to initial reports, the SA Airlink Jetstream 41 Turboprop aircraft, which had twin engines, broke in two after crashing into a school ground in Merebank, shortly after take-off from the Durban International Airport around 8am yesterday.

In a statement spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority Phindiwe Gwebu said the prelimary phases of the investigations were complete and they can confirm the possibility of an engine failure could have caused the crash.

It is not yet known when the final report will be released.

Gwebu said the wreckage could now be removed since the crash investigators have completed collecting all the physical evidence at the scene, and have documented evidence from the crash site and other parts of the plane.

She said the crash investigators are expected to return to Johannesburg later this afternoon, where investigators will continue to examine their evidence, interact with various experts, including the manufactures of the plane, in order to understand what exactly happened.

Four people sustained injuries in the crash; two pilots are in a critical condition in ICU; a flight attendant suffered back and neck injuries; and a municipal worker on the ground was injured and taken to hospital

FIFA cracks down on illegal 2010 tickets

FIFA is working closely with international authorities to crack down on the sale of illegal 2010 FIFA World Cup tickets.

As the excitement surrounding the world cup gains momentum, tickets have been in high demand worldwide which have led to illegal ticket sales.

While genuine tickets are sold online exclusively via the official website FIFA.com, dishonest individuals are taking advantage of the great appeal of this event by trying to use the internet to sell tickets they do not possess, FIFA said in a statement.

FIFA would like to recall that one of the measures taken to prevent forgery will be to print the official match tickets only a few weeks before the event in South Africa in 2010.

Many unauthorised operators are exploiting the popularity of the FIFA World Cup to lure unsuspecting fans across the world into purchasing illegitimate or unauthorised tickets and/or ticket-inclusive travel packages.

Comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding match tickets as well as the list of the appointed tour operators and match Hospitality sales agents can be found on FIFA.com.

Drugs valued at R5 000 seized in Woodstock

Early this morning , members of the Woodstock Police arrested a 27 year old man in Hercules Street, Woodstock for allegedly dealing in drugs.

The police members were busy with routine stop-and-search and visible policing patrols. When they approached the man he fled on foot.

They gave chase and apprehended the suspect.

“We searched the suspect and confiscated 50 packets of tik, six pieces of heroine and R1380- 00 in cash found in his possession. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is R5 000-00.

“The 27 year old suspect is currently in police custody. He is facing a charge of Dealing in drugs and will appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Monday,” said SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Hilton Malila.

SACTWU welcomes election of its member COSATU National Office

The Southern African Clothing & Textile Workers’ Union has welcomes the election of the new COSATU National Office Bearers.

In a statement SACTWU says they are particularly humbled by the election of Freda Oosthuysen, a SACTWU member.

“Freda was elected unopposed as COSATU’s new National Treasurer at the federation’s just-concluded 10th National Congress,” the statement said.

SACTWU secretary-general Andre Kriel says Oosthuizen was first elected as the National Treasurer of SACTWU in 2006.

“That same year, she was also elected to be the Chairperson of the Clothing Industry Provident Fund, as well as the Chairperson of the National Bargaining Council for the Clothing Manufacturing Industry – the second oldest and one of the biggest bargaining councils in the country,” Kriel said.

Oosthuizen is an Examiner at House of Monatic, a clothing company in Cape Town.

As an Examiner, Oosthuizen checks garments to ensure that their quality meets the high standards required by the industry.

Freda was involved with the merger process between GAWU and ACTWUSA to form SACTWU in 1989.

SACTWU was launched in September 1989 at the University of the Western Cape, exactly 20 years ago.

Eight to appear in court for theft

Eight suspects will appear in the Knysna Magistrate Court today for theft.

The suspects were arrested on Tuesday during a crime operation held in Smuttsville, Sedgefield.

Police acted on information they received from the public regarding stolen property which was stored at private dwellings in the Sedgefield area.

During their operation police seized the following items: a Sunbeam toaster, a Leather man knife, Samsung and Nokia cell phones, Ipod, Sunglasses, two Dvd Player's with surround-sound speakers as well as ammunition.

Remote reading of water meters – City starts pilot project

By Ofentse Mokae24 September 2009

Cape Town loses almost 19% of its piped water through burst water mains and domestic leaks and, while this is well below the losses for most other cities in the country, it nevertheless costs the City more than R4m annually.

The city will be assessing the effectiveness of a pilot project for the remote reading of water meters. This uses a technology that can discern whether there are water leaks or other factors contributing to excessive water loss.

“The three trial areas, where meters for the pilot project have been installed, are the Sunset Beach residential area in Millerton, the entire Epping Industrial area and the N2 Gateway residential housing project”.

“Results from these very different areas would provide feedback and pinpoint potential problems that might arise if this project was to be implemented on a larger scale in future” said mayoral committee members Clive Justus.

He said the technology for these meters is well established internationally.

The new remote-read meters are able to measure the complete range of meter sizes and flow rates.

The use of the automated remote readings for all consumption within a suburb, combined with simultaneous readings of bulk zone meters supplying the suburb, will enable a detailed, zone-specific water balance to be calculated.

The system allows all water meters to be read automatically and simultaneously and at the exact end of the month, with minimal reasons for missed readings and estimated accounts.

“This postponement is a slight victory due to the pressures put on the city by the traders, but it still remains that the city will continue with evictions,” said Cassiem.

Earlier this month the traders met with the WC Premier Helen Zille who vowed to help and assist wherever she can.

CHATA thanked her for her time; however, tensions are still running high in the Town Centre regarding the eviction.

“CHATA takes the words of Premier Zille seriously, but knows the fight is not over and cannot rely on city officials after there have been lies and unfulfilled promises in this entire process,” she added.

City unveils transformed safety and security plan for 2010

By Kim Saulse23 September 2009

The city has announced its masterplan for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

This plan will see an improvement and facelift in safety and security, throughout the city.

Cllr JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety & Security, says they want to “ensure that visitors to the city, both local and foreign, are left with pleasant memories of their visit and no incidents”.

“We’ve put in place security plans that will make the areas involved in 2010 (fan parks and the fan mile) safe and secure.

“ To do that we’ve had to roll out extra resources, which include extra traffic cops, extra law enforcement members, metro police members and also vehicles and equipment for all of them,” said Councillor Smith.

Additional CCTV cameras will also be installed. Councillor Smith added that mobile incident management and disaster risk management has also been beefed up.

South Africa’s non-agriculture jobs decrease

Employment in the formal non-agricultural business sector decreased between the end of March to the end of June 2009, Statistics South Africa.

In March, the figure stood at an estimated 8 326 000 employees to an estimated 8 259 000 employees in June.

Additionally gross earnings that were paid to employees in the formal non-agricultural business sector increased between the March and June quarter.

Gross earnings that were paid to workers during the quarter ending in June came in at R259 652 million reflecting a quarterly increase of R429 million compared to the March quarter.

Gross earnings paid to workers in the formal non-agricultural business sector increased between the quarters ended March 2008 and March this year. The increase between the two quarters reflected an increase of R15 631 million.

According to Stats SA, employment in the same sector decreased between the quarters ended June 2008 and June 2009.

The quarterly survey found that the average monthly earnings that include bonuses and overtime payment paid to employees in this sector increased between February and May 2009.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

City sets up a Climate Change Think-Tank

By Ofentse Mokae22 September 2009

The City of Cape Town has set up a newly formed Climate Change Think-Tank in the city today.The tank consists of renowned academics and specialists who will assess climate change and its effects on Cape Town.

In a media statement the city says it aims to be a leading local authority in its response to climate change.

“The Council has already adopted an Energy and Climate Change Strategy and has established an Energy Committee,” the statement.

It says the newly formed Climate Change Think-Tank will lead the proactive response to climate change.

Community schools march for school libraries

Thousands of learners around Cape Flats have marched from Salt River to City Hall today, to hand their petition to Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga.

Learners from Khayelitsha, Mitchells’ Plain, Kraaifontein and the surrounding areas are protesting for school libraries.

They want the Education Department to build libraries in the school premises claiming that public libraries are full and too far away from them.

“Public libraries are not safe as they are too far away from our homes and you also need to apply for access card to access the internet,” said Veliswa Mathibe from Masibambane High school in Kraaifontein.

Student Representative Luthando Nkulati from Bulumko High school in Khayelitsha says they want government to give all students the same education.

The students are represented by Equal Education, the organisation that fights for the student’s rights.

Co-ordinator of this organisation Lukhanyo Mangona says on their petition they want government to legislate their demand.

Crime still a serious threat in the country

These statistics according Mthethwa are used in the management of crime combating by the SAPS.

Statistics shows that business robbery cases increased by over 41-percent compared to the previous year.

Aggravated robberies saw an increase in three areas, namely business robberies, house robberies and hijackings.

But the highest increase was recorded in business robberies.

The minister acknowledged the progress made in crime combating however he also admitted that much still much needed to be done.

Meanwhile earlier the Democratic Alliance slammed the decision by the Police ministry to hold the meeting with the portfolio committee behind closed doors.

DA shadow minister for police Dianne Kohler-Barnard says the Constitution requires that Parliament conduct its business in an open and transparent manner.

“Holding this session behind closed doors, and then holding a press conference immediately afterwards, gives off the impression that the minister is trying to stage-manage the release of crime statistics, instead of allowing due parliamentary process to be followed,” Kohler-Barnard said.

Kohler-Barnard says the public including the media has a right to hear the minister account before parliament for the crime rate in South Africa.

2010 World Cup Trophy to tour Africa

By Khanyisa Tabata22 September 2009

Thousands of fans will enjoy a rare close-up view of the authentic 2010 FIFA World Cup Trophy, which will visit every nation in Africa, giving fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to look at, but not touch, the coveted piece.

FIFA and Coca-Cola yesterday announced that the world cup trophy will tour 86 countries in the world, including 53 African countries.

Only State Presidents and World Cup winners have been known to touch the exclusive trophy, and only a handful of people know where it is kept.

It will wrap up its African tour in Cape Town on 2 December 2009, just in time for the FIFA World Cup draw.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter said the international reach and marketing expertise of their partner Coca-Cola is an enormous benefit in strengthening the game.

He said it helps bring the excitement and passion of the sport to more people around the globe.

Coca-Cola has also unveiled a grand marketing campaign for the soccer extravaganza inspired by the joyous dance celebrations.

The company has invited fans to express their optimism and passion for football through active dance celebrations and a promise to award the best dancer during the tournament.

In the months leading up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, an range of programmes will be activated that will bring fans closer to the world cup experience.

City beefs up traffic services

By Kim Saulse22 September 2009

This past weekend saw the city’s traffic officials intensify their action against motorists driving under the influence of alcohol in the Mowbray and Sea Point areas when 27 motorists, including three females, were arrested on this charge.

At the Sea Point roadblock on Saturday, a female passenger was arrested for riotous behavior when the driver was arrested for alleged drunk driving.

City traffic services spokesperson Merle Lourens has warned motorists of the risks involved when drinking and driving, as traffic services beefs up its operations.

“Driving whilst intoxicated is exceptionally dangerous and irresponsible. If you’re going to socialise and have a drink, arrange for someone of sober habits to drive you home or call a taxi,” said Lourens.

Democratic Alliance wants the briefing to be open

The Democratic Alliance has objected to the fact that the portfolio committee meeting in which the police minister will be reporting back on crime statistics will be held behind closed doors.

The DA says the Constitution requires that Parliament conduct its business in an open and transparent manner.

“Holding this session behind closed doors, and then holding a press conference immediately afterwards, gives off the impression that the minister is trying to stage-manage the release of crime statistics, instead of allowing due parliamentary process to be followed”.

“Instead of accounting to parliament for the crime rate, the minister wants to hold a press conference on his own turf, and away from parliamentary oversight. That is not something the DA finds acceptable," said DA’s Dianne Kohler Barnard.

Government launches project for children behind bars

By Khanyisa Tabata22 September 2009

An initiative for South African babies and toddlers, who live with their imprisoned mothers has been introduced to ensure that they live in a friendly environment, and are later placed in alternate centres outside prison walls.

The Imbeleko Project, which is currently being rolled out in different provinces, aims to ensure every child is kept in conditions conducive for optimal development and that they are treated in a manner that takes into account the childs age and basic needs.

It is hoped that this law will make certain that children do not spend too much time with their mothers and that they are reintegrated into society at a tender age to be socialized in a proper and natural environment.

The project is the result of a visit by the Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Hlengiwe Mkhize, to Durban’s Westville Correctional Centre.

South Africa is also a signatory to various international agreements on the protection of children.

Minister assures public of National Health Insurance objective

By Khanyisa Tabata21 September 2009

Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi has assured the public that the proposed National Health Insurance should not be seen as a monster.

In a media statement Motsoaledi said people should not think of the NHI as monster. He said the NHI will enable all South Africans to access quality health services which will be free to a point of service.

He said improving the quality of healthcare services was on government’s ten-point programme to improve the lives of South Africans.

The minister said the overhaul of the healthcare system was necessary so as to deliver better healthcare for the country.

According to repots Motsoaledi said he noted there was a need for hospitals to be better managed following a recent visit to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto and he would also investigate the low number of new doctors entering the medical field.

Minister assures public of National Health Insurance objective

By Khanyisa Tabata21 September 2009

Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi has assured the public that the proposed National Health Insurance should not be seen as a monster.

In a media statement Motsoaledi said people should not think of the NHI as monster. He said the NHI will enable all South Africans to access quality health services which will be free to a point of service.

He said improving the quality of healthcare services was on government’s ten-point programme to improve the lives of South Africans.

The minister said the overhaul of the healthcare system was necessary so as to deliver better healthcare for the country.

According to repots Motsoaledi said he noted there was a need for hospitals to be better managed following a recent visit to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto and he would also investigate the low number of new doctors entering the medical field.

25 Year old male fatally wounded in drive by shooting

A drive by shooting in Belhar early this morning, left 25 year old Llewellyn September dead.

Two men and two woman were at home when unknown suspects fired several shots at the house. September was fatally wounded after sustaining several gunshot wounds to his body.

Another victim is in a critical condition in hospital after sustaining two gunshot wounds in his back.

The motive for the incident is been investigated.

Police have opened a case of attempted murder and murder for investigation. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Investigating officer, Detective Inspector Albertus Pienaar at the Belhar police station on (021) 953 8100.

Metro Police successful over the weekend

Cape Town Metro Police officers have arrested 45 drunk drivers and nabbed 18 suspects for numerous offences at the weekend.

386 traffic fines were issued of which 93 were unlicensed drivers and 72 unlicensed motor vehicles during numerous operations throughout the City.

“At a Vehicle Control Point at Lansdowne and Symphony, motor vehicles and people were searched.

“During these searches three suspects were arrested, two of them tested positive on the Morpho touch machine of which one suspect were sought for an outstanding theft case and the other one for two outstanding drunken driving cases,” Cape Town Metro Police Deputy Chief Yolanda Faro.

At the drunken driving roadblock in Nyanga, one person was also arrested for riotous behaviour and one person for possession of dagga added Faro.

Call for immediate release of antenatal clinic survey results

By Khanyisa Tabata20 September 2009

The Democratic Alliance has called on the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motoaledi to release the results of the 2008 Antenatal Clinic Survey saying they were promised by the Deputy President that they will receive the results.

“It is part of this government’s ongoing neglect of the HIV/Aids epidemic that every year the DA has had to take action to have this report released”.

“This is the third year in a row that the DA has been forced to use the Promotion of Access to Information Act to have the report released, which has now been held back for several months,” said Mike Waters.

The survey measures HIV levels in pregnant women attending clinics and is one of the only sources of on-the-ground information there is on infection rates across South Africa.

Yawa commends arrest of alleged criminal policeman

By Khanyisa Tabata19 September

North West MEC for Public Safety, Howard Yawa, has commended the arrest of a Lehurutse policeman who has been accused of kidnapping and murdering a suspect related to stock theft.It has been alleged that Taffa was summoned to the police station by Constable Motswiri for questioning on a case related to stock theft. He was the last person to be seen with the deceased.

Investigations by police have established that the deceased had at one stage complained that the suspect had slashed the tyres of his car.Yawa has assured Taffa’s family and community that justice will be done if the police officer is found guilty.

Constable Motswiri is expected to make his second appearance at the Lehurutse Magistrate Court today, for bail application.

Heritage Month to showcase South Africa’s rich culture

By Khanyisa Tabata19 September 2009

Heritage Month represents an opportunity for South Africans to celebrate their rich and diverse cultural heritage.

South Africans should use the month to create a stage for the African community to unite, celebrate and preserve Africa's indigenous cultures through traditional dance, music and crafts said Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Paul Mashatile.

September marks national Heritage month in South Africa and this year's theme is “Celebrating South Africa’s Craft, our Heritage”.

During this month, the Department of Arts and Culture will pay tribute in particular to the crafters, many of whom are found in the rural areas.

Heritage month recognises aspects of South African culture which are both tangible and intangible: creative expression such as music and performances, our historical inheritance, language, the food and craft.

Government to look into opening universities in Northern Cape and Mpumalanga

By Kim Saulse19 September 2009

Minister for Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande, has been assigned to looking into establishing universities in the Northern Cape and Mpumalanga.

According to reports, Chairperson of Parliament’s higher education committee, Marius Fransman, says while South Africa has 23 universities, these two provinces have lost out since the new dispensation and new provincial borders.

Fransman says the move was part of President Jacob Zuma’s call to “capacitate” provinces to meet the needs of rural areas.

First Presidential Hotline caller will be assisted

The very first person to get through to the Presidential Hotline when it was launched on Monday is to receive assistance.

The caller from Mount Free in the Eastern Cape was the first person to get through and she spoke to President Jacob Zuma himself.

The caller had a problem to access her late husband’s money who passed away in 2006.

According to reports The King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality has acknowledged that there is an outstanding amount of money due to the caller and said they had been unable to locate her as she had moved from her place of residence.

President Zuma has promised that the staff will follow her complaint until she receives her money.

Twenty one specially trained public liaison officers took up their seats at the Union Buildings to handle calls and respond to general public inquiries and complaints over service delivery and questions about government.

Three arrested in connection with shooting incident

By Kim Saulse18 September 2009

A Mfuleni businessman has died after he was shot by two men yesterday in Poanoane Street, Mfuleni. The two armed suspects approached a retailer and his driver at the owner’s retail store. The suspects fired several shots at the two victims, wounding the retailer and driver in the head and side .

The two suspects then took possession of the vehicle, while the victim was still on the back, and drove towards the Khayelitsha area, where they disposed of the victim at the False bay College in Mew Way.

His body was later recovered. The driver who was left behind at the scene was later hospitalised, and is in a serious condition.

The tracker in the vehicle was activated, and SAPS was led to an address in Lost City Tafelsig, Mitchell’s Plain, where they spotted the vehicle being washed by three male suspects.

They were arrested and are aged 18, 19 and 23 .

The suspects are being detained on charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery, and are due to make a court appearance in due course.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Five arrested for cash in transit heist

By Kim Saulse17 September 2009

Five suspects have been arrested following a cash-in-transit heist in Lingulethu West this morning.

One of the suspects who tried to flee was shot in the knee. Police spokesperson André Traut says a gang forced a cash vehicle off the road, held the security staff at gun point and removed an undisclosed amount of cash from the vehicle before fleeing.

Quick action by various SAPS units led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the money. Four illegal firearms were also seized.

Further investigations led SAPS to NY 5 and NY 7 in Guguletu where two more suspects were arrested. A Mitsubishi Pajero, believed to be used in the crime was also confiscated.

The suspects are being detained on charges of armed robbery, and will make a court appearance in Khayelitsha soon.

Thuli Madonsela to be recommended as Public Protector

Thuli Madonsela is expected to be the name put forward in the National Assembly next week to replace Lawrence Mushwana as the country’s Public Protector.

Mushwana’s seven-year term will come to an end on 15 October and is not renewable.

Committee Chairperson, Advocate Tshililo Masutha, said in an interview the short listing, interviewing and nomination process had gone well and that all candidates had been highly competent and competitive.

According to Masutha, the nomination of Madonsela as South Africa’s new Public Protector is expected to be tabled and endorsed by Parliament next week Tuesday. It will then be up to President Jacob Zuma to sign off on the appointment.

He said Madonsela was the most suitable candidate. He further believed that in executing her duties as the country’s first female Public Protector, she would be impartial and independent.

Madonsela also writes prolifically on human rights, gender, race and various justice reform matters. She is the co-architect of the South Africa Bench Book for Equality Courts and has authored several books and reports on law, gender and human rights.